Birth doula recommendations in Pittsburgh? (x-post)

[miso_soup]

(x-posted in the NY/NJ/PA tribal club, but posting here on the off-chance that someone can help).

Hey everyone. I'm currently 20 weeks pregnant (just found out yesterday that it's a BOY!) and am beginning to think about hiring a birth doula.

I already have an OB, who is great, but busy - and I feel an increasing need for a more intimate relationship with a birthing expert who can help me with the emotional side of pregnancy and birth, as well as assist me in designing a birth plan, and other practical considerations that I'm clueless about! www.dona.org has a bunch of Doula's listed for my area, but it's a big group to narrow down! If anyone has any recommendations in the Pittsburgh area (I live in the city, but am not averse to traveling a little outside of the city for the right person), I would LOVE to hear them! Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Thanks in advance!

[newmommy7-08]

Congratulations on your baby boy!!! I could not have had the birth experience with my son that I wanted without my doula. Her name is Amy Farr, she's a member of Dona and her website is www.blessedarrivals.com. She and her sister Brenda operate Blessed Arrivals and they are both absolutely FABULOUS! She will be with me for the birth of my twins in August as well. They are approx. an hour out of the city but that's not something you would need to worry about as they come to you, you don't ever need to travel to them. They generally try to do their prenatals together, although that's not always possible due to schedules. You usually meet them I think 3 times before your birth. The initial get to know you appt, then 2 prenatal appts to talk over your plans, concerns, fears etc. They are even more than willing to attend an ob appt with you if you'd like. They've both attended many births at Magee, and a few at West Penn, Sewickley, Mercy and I THINK one or two other hospitals. They've attended births that were 100% med free, inductions, epidurals (planned and unplanned) and c-sections. They really have a wide range of experience.

Amy was so valuable to me because she knew what I needed before I could even try to say it! Her presence really let both my husband and I concentrate on the birth and on each other. She was also a huge help to me post partum anytime I had a question, I knew I could call her. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them!